SARIKEI: The Tun Datuk Patinggi Tuanku Haji Bujang bin Tuanku Othman Bridge which was inaugurated today completes the ‘missing link’ of accessibility in the central region of Sarawak.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said that the connection of the road network between Sarikei and the Tanjung Manis area opens up more opportunities for local residents to develop their economic potential.

According to him, the Tanjung Manis area including Belawai and Pulau Bruit has its own unique characteristics in terms of local products and tourism attractions, especially in the food and beverage industry sector.

“If this area has a good road, then it can be a channel for us to market our existing products.

“If in the Rajang Valley area, the food here is different from other places, for example, tumpik,” he said.

He said this during his speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Tun Datuk Patinggi Tuanku Haji Bujang bin Tuanku Othman Bridge here.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari added that the benefits of building the bridge not only affect the well-being of the people, but also open up space for the Sarawak Government to implement green economic policies by utilising swamp forest areas as carbon storage.

“Another thing that can drive the Sarawak economy is that this area has a lot of swamp land that we can utilise for a new economy, namely carbon trading,” he explained.

He also stated that the opening of this bridge will be a catalyst for exploring new potential in the environment-based economic sector.

The bridge project and the construction of Jalan Pasi to Tanjung Manis mark a historic achievement that has brought significant changes to the residents of Sarikei, Bintangor and Tanjung Manis.

The Sarawak Premier also rode his motorcycle across the bridge towards Tanjung Manis, accompanied by dignitaries and a convoy of high-powered motorcycles.

Also present were the Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Minister of Utility and Telecommunications of Sarawak, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii, Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department of Sarawak (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol; Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development of Sarawak, Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo, Deputy Sarawak Secretary, Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development of Sarawak, Datu Chiew Chee Yau, Director of the Public Works Department (JKR) of Sarawak, Dr Cassidy Morris; heads of departments and other invited guests. –UKASnews